LET’S DANCE
THE MARRIED DWTS PROS HOPE TO SPREAD SOME CHEER WITH THE NEW SEASON IN THE BALLROOM
Dancing With the Stars pros and real-life couple Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy explain why the show is so important right now
Lovebirds Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy are making some pretty big sacrifices in order to compete on Season 29 of Dancing With the Stars, including living apart during production to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus. “We have to be separated,” says Jenna, 26, who’s paired up with Catfish star Nev Schulman. But she and Val, who wed last April, say they’re willing to suffer for the greater good. “The world needs Dancing With the Stars right now,” says Val, 34 (he’s partnered with Monica Aldama from Netflix’s Cheer). “There are challenges, but hopefully we can bring some joy to folks at home during this crazy time.” Here, Val and Jenna — who recently launched the on-the-go dance app Dance & Co — talk to In Touch’s Lexi Ciccone about their favorite contestants, quarantine and baby plans.
So it’s good to be back on DWTS?
JJ: We’re so excited.
VC: They didn’t want to do the show risking anyone’s health. The only people we’re in contact with are our partners. But I’m grateful we’re back doing what we love.
How do you stay connected?
JJ: Thank goodness for FaceTime! VC: I’m going to write her poetry and send her Amazon packages. JJ: He knows the way to my heart! VC: There’s no protocol for this, but we’re going to do our best.
Did you learn anything more about each other during quarantine? VC: We really love banana bread. Which celebs are you guys still in touch with from the show?
VC: There are a lot. Zendaya, Normani, Laurie [Hernandez]… We still speak to Tamar [Braxton].
JJ: Adam Rippon was a bridesman at our wedding. And Val’s former partner Ginger Zee is like a sister to me.
Are you thinking of having kids?
JJ: That’s always been a part of our plan. When is it going to happen? We’ll see.
VC: We spoke about it even before we were married, and it’s something we both hold dear. Family is a huge priority for us outside of our careers. It’s bigger than everything. ◼
TUNE IN!
DWTS airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC